The $22.8 million bridge that opened for drivers in December while work is being done was initially supposed to be completed by spring 2016 for $17.6 million. TDOT, however, adjusted the contract with Brentwood-based Bell & Associates around October 2015 to finish the bridge by Dec. 15, 2017, because more work was involved with utility relocation and design issues.

"TDOT did add some items to the contract, like special contrast striping on the bridge, and because of this, some additional time will likely be added to the contract," said Schulte, who noted that crews are still working on landscaping, asphalt, concrete and other details of the project. "Discussions are still ongoing regarding that."

TDOT forecasts that the busy intersection will have 72,740 vehicle trips per day by 2034, which is an increase of 14,080 from the 58,660 count when construction work began early in 2014.

CLOSE

Republican state Sens. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville and Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro talk about the Bridge Over Broad project, which is supposed to open for traffic by Dec. 15.
Scott Broden/DNJ

Commuter upset by Old Fort Parkway jams after bridge opened

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said he's confident that the city and TDOT will continue working together on whatever adjustments are needed to complete the bridge project.

"We are ready for the project to be finished," McFarland said. "TDOT has been great to work with. They have been great at communicating."

Government officials, however, have faced criticism from commuters such as Sam Hay. He noted how he recently witnessed a state trooper having to respond to a call on the wrong side of Old Fort Parkway near Thompson Lane because congestion remains a problem.

"It's now exasperated," said Hay, who's also worried that businesses near the bridge will see a reduction in customers. "There really is now a chronic congestion issue."

Schulte said the Bridge Over Broad project required thorough scrutiny.

"Any project that receives federal funding has to be in the in the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s long range plan, of which the Bridge Over Broad project was no exception," Schulte said. "This is done in accordance with federal regulations according to planning for an urbanized area."

City pursues study to improve traffic signals in area near bridge

The MPO, which consists of mayors in the Nashville area and staff, listed the bridge project in 2005 to be a part of the organization's 2030 Long Range Plan, said Schulte, who noted how multiple meetings were held to determine the projects.

"Population projections and employment growth were all factors into the decision making," Schulte said. "The analysis showed expected travel deficiencies, and this project was identified."

The bridge ramps are still allowing commuters to reach local businesses on Broad Street, Old Fort Parkway and Memorial Boulevard, Schulte said.

"This project makes it much more efficient and safe to do so," Schulte said.

TDOT has also worked with the city on a study to improve traffic signal timing on the roads near the bridge, Schulte said.